TORONTO -- The Toronto Argonauts announced today that Assistant General Manager/Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Chris Jones has elected to withdraw his candidacy for the vacant head coaching position in Montreal and extend his contract with the Argonauts.

“I would like to thank the Montreal Alouettes organization, especially Bob Wetenhall and Jim Popp, for their consideration. I would also like to thank the Toronto Argonauts, specifically Scott Milanovich, Jim Barker, Chris Rudge and David Braley, for allowing me to remain with, and commit to, this team," said Jones.

"After some deliberation, it became apparent that Toronto was the best place for me. We’ve started something great here and I think that, with the players and coaches we have in place, there is an opportunity to build on our championship and contend for the Grey Cup every year.”

In his first year with the Argonauts, Jones led a young and dynamic defence to victory in the 100th Grey Cup championship game. Earning a reputation for being aggressive and stingy, Jones’ defensive unit was amongst the top of the league in a handful of categories during the regular season including: fewest first downs allowed (206), average yards passing allowed per game (269), most interceptions (24) and touchdowns scored (5).

“Chris Jones is a proven winner, and his ability to coordinate dominant defences cannot be questioned. His leadership, commitment and passion for the game had a tremendous impact on our football team in 2012. I believe his time to be a head coach will come sooner rather than later, but I am very thankful, and excited, to have him back this season," said Milanovich.

Jones is credited with the development of standout defensive players such as DB Pacino Horne, who scored a touchdown in the 100th Grey Cup game, LB Marcus Ball who, as a rookie, was named the Argos Outstanding Defensive Player, and DB Pat Watkins who tied for the team lead in interceptions (5) in 2012. In fact, of the 12 Argos starters on defence in the 100th Grey Cup game, five (5) of them had never played a single snap in the CFL prior to the 2012 season.

Commented Argonauts’ General Manager Jim Barker, “Retaining high quality personnel and securing long-term stability are two important cornerstones of any winning franchise. I believe we’ve achieved both with this announcement. Chris Jones is one of the best defensive minds in football, as well as an outstanding evaluator of talent, and I’m excited he’ll be with our Club for the future.”

During the eleven years that Jones has patrolled CFL sidelines, his teams have never missed the playoffs. Jones has had stops in Montreal, Calgary and Toronto, coaching in eight division finals and winning three Grey Cups (Montreal, 2002; Calgary, 2008; Toronto, 2012).

He could see the writing on the wall and chose job stability. The Als are aging quickly and on a downward slope.

January 23, 2013 - 12:25pm

als rule

WHAT? sorry he chose job security LOL LOL LOL. als aren't aging quickly and nor are they on a downward slide!! check their roster and their players ages and be surprised!!

January 23, 2013 - 3:00pm

argofan4life31

no playoff wins in over 2 years + picking up other teams aging cast offs = downward spiral..LOL LOL LOL

January 23, 2013 - 8:06pm

als rule

downward spiral this from a man who's whole team is run by ex-alouettes!! who if eric tillman hadn't pulled a real boner and traded RR to TO the argos would still be swimming up N/FALLS!! LOL LOL LOL

January 25, 2013 - 11:04am

tabbiefanmcb

Looks like Toronto made it worth his while to stay instead of pursuing the HC gig in Montreal! Good for Toronto - maybe not so good for the Als who didn't have the best defense last season - better than the Ticats, but not great!

January 22, 2013 - 9:52pm

als rule

great news!! stay in T.O.!! we didn't want you in montreal anyways!!

January 22, 2013 - 7:27pm

argofan4life31

not what you said last week, but your middle name is flip flop.

January 23, 2013 - 8:00pm

als rule

correction mr. flip flop: I said the list of chosen characters were all bums BUT jones might be the best of the lot BUT that doesn't mean I want him to be the als HC!!